Backpack frame and chair conversion kit

ABSTRACT

A rigid frame type backpack and a kit of tubular segments for use therewith and convert the same to a chair. The kit includes a plurality tubular segments that can be detachably inter-connected by elastic cord means into a rigid assembly that includes a chair seat and a pair of chair front legs with such assembly being detachably securable to the backpack frame. The lower portion of the backpack frame provides the rear legs of the chair and above that a backrest for the occupant of the chair.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to hikers rigid frame backpacks and more particularly one that converts into a chair by connecting thereto a plurality of interconnectible tubular segments secured internally be elastic cord means.

BACK GROUND OF INVENTION

Backpack users in want of a comfortable place to rest has given rise to proposals of combining a backpack and a chair. One such proposal is found in Bradbury U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,548. Disclosed in this patent is a tubular frame fold up chair with a soft sided backpack attached thereto. The primary component is the chair while the backpack is secondary. This is common to a number of different proposals.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides for a rigid planar frame type backpack and kit tubular members or segments that interconnect into an assembly securable to the rigid frame converting the backpack to a chair. The kit comprises, consists essentially of or consists of a first segregated group of longitudinal members and includes a first coupling means detachably interconnecting the longitudinal members into respective first and second generally rigid L-shaped units in which one leg of the respective units provides a chair seat side rail and the other a chair front leg. The kit also contains a second segregated group of longitudinal members connecting to a second coupling means detachably connecting the cross members to the chair side rails thereby forming an assembly of a chair seat and pair of front legs. A third coupling means detachably connects the assembly to a backpack rigid frame and together with at least two elongate rigid cross members extending between the legs parallel therewith provide a chair readily assembled in situ. A fourth cross member extending between and normal to the legs provide lateral support to the chair frame. A cushion, such as an expandable air cushion can be supported by upon the frame providing a scat.

An object of the present invention is to provide a backpack and chair combination in which the backpack is the principal component with the chair being assembled in situ at the time of need from segments stowed in a compartment of the backpack.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a backpack chair using a plurality tubular members that are readily detachably interconnected in situ into an assembly that is detachably securable to the backpack frame.

In keeping with these objects there is provided in accordance with the present invention a kit for use with a rigid frame type backpack wherein the kit comprises a plurality tubular segments that can be detachably inter-connected into an assembly that includes a chair seat and a pair of chair front legs with such assembly being detachably securable to the backpack frame in which the lower portion thereof provides the rear legs of the chair and above that a backrest for the occupant of the chair.

Another object of the present invention is to utilize one or more elastomeric cords to hold individual lengths of tubular members together as a group using a selected length of flexible material such as a piece of cord, a bungy cord wire, string or the like.

It is another object of the present invention to utilize elastomeric cords as a means of holding short lengths of tubular members together to form modular frame components.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a means of interconnecting short lengths of tubing capable of being carried in a pouch that would typically fit in a conventional backpack and preferably less than 2 feet long, more preferably less than 18 inches long, more preferably less than 14 inches long and most preferably less than 12 inches long while providing a means for connecting engaging the short tubular members together in combination with a backpack frame to provide a camping chair.

It is another object of the present invention to use elastomeric cord as a means of attachment of the individual tubular members providing means for organizing the segments in a quick and easy assemble able unit minimizing search time necessary to find the parts, and assists in holding the tubular members together with a contracting force facilitating connection and construction of the modular unit.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent with the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of one embodiment of applicants backpack chair combination;

FIG. 2 is an oblique view of another embodiment of a backpack chair provided by the applicant;

FIG. 3 illustrates one means of connecting the chair seat portion to the backpack frame;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative for the connecting means shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an oblique views of the chair portion illustrating in greater detail the seat pad component and interconnection of the same;

FIG. 6 is an oblique views of the chair portion illustrating in greater detail of the some of the components of the internal elastomeric cord and interconnection of the same;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of groups of tubular segments loosely connected and a bag for storing the same in their collapsed state;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view in which the groups of segments shown in FIG. 7 are in an assembled state;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a partially assembled cross member showing the elastic cord connecting the members in phantom view; and

FIG. 10 is an oblique view showing an alternate bracket means for connecting the side rail members of the chair to the backpack legs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrated is an external frame type backpack 10 with an assembly 30 detachably secured thereto to provide a chair. The assembly 30 comprises a number of detachably interconnected tubular segments forming the chair seat and pair of front legs. Tubular members for the frame assembly are segregated into modular groups, for example by being interconnected into selected groups linked together by an elastomeric cord to facilitate constructing the assembly in situ and storing the segments in a bag or compartment of the backpack.

The conventional backpack comprises a soft sided storage bag 11 mounted on a U-shaped frame 12. The frame comprises light weight tubular members forming spaced apart legs 14 (, 15) interconnected at an upper end thereof by a bridge portion 16 and spaced downwardly therefrom by cross members 17. The backpack has a pair of padded shoulder straps 18 and a padded, adjustably variable in size, waist band 19. A fabric band 20 and/or the cross members 17 in-fills at least a portion of the space between the frame legs 14(, 15) and, as will become apparent hereinafter, forms the backrest portion of the chair. It is contemplated that the present invention could be utilized with any frame member having similar components to the backpack such as longitudinal members or other support members having attachments points thereon to provide a horizontal support structure to be used in combination with the present invention.

A conventional backpack bag is made of tough durable light weight material, for example nylon, normally has a main compartment for larger objects and a number of smaller compartments strategically located on (or in) the side walls of the bag. Access openings to the compartments are covered for example by tie down flaps. The make up and arrangement of the backpack is not material to the present invention other than having a rigid frame to which applicants chair forming kit of pieces can be detachably secured opposite the bag for converting the backpack to a usable chair.

A backpack frame and chair conversion kit 50 includes several modular frame units comprising a plurality of short tubular members or segments shown in differing stages in FIGS. 7 and 8 and when assembled and interconnected provides the chair forming assembly 30. The assembly 30 is detachably and adjustably securable to the backpack frame 12. The kit segments comprising the frame assembly 30 are held together in modular r groups in which the pieces in the respective groups go together and form particular portions of the chair and attachable frame. FIG. 7 shows the groups of segments in a collapsed state for storage in a bag. FIG. 8 illustrates the segments consisting of short longitudinal tubular members interconnected in their respective groups to provide rigid members that interconnect to provide the assembly 30. The use of elastomeric cords for internal interconnection of the pieces facilitates in situ assembly at the desired time of use.

The backpack frame and chair conversion kit segments include lengths of tubular aluminum or the like light weight hollow material in order to internally contain cord for connecting the members together in a group or module. Graphite fiber tubing or even fiberglass tubing may be utilized as well for the tubular members having mating end diameters of larger or smaller diameters in order for the end of one segment to provide a male or female fitting for connecting one to another. It is contemplated that short hollow sleeves could be used instead of or as a means of support and reinforcement in combination with the hollow tube members. Moreover, the reinforcement members extending between the legs could be solid longitudinal members as well.

A first group of segments 51, 52, 53 connect one to the next in end-to-end relation and when connected define a rigid generally L-shaped first unit 54(see FIG. 8). When assembled piece 51 becomes a side rail(or portion thereof) of the chair seat and piece 53 a front leg of the chair. Piece 52 is a knee piece connecting segments 51 and 53 at a predetermined angular relation. A second group of segments 51, 52, 53 interconnect in end-to-end relation providing a second rigid generally L-shaped second unit 55.

The seat cushion side supporting portion of the frame and integral front legs assembly are constructed of elongated tubular members including segments 51, 52, 53 of unit 54 which are connected and held together as a group by an elastomeric cord such as a bungee cord 56, string, wire or the like passing there through with one end being anchored to piece 51 as for example by a pin 57 and at the other end anchored to piece 53 as for example by a pin 58. Similarly segments 51, 52, 53 of unit 55 are held together as a group by another selected length of flexible material such as a piece of cord, a bungy cord wire, string or the like. Attachment of the individual tubular members by an elastomeric cord provides means for organizing the segments in a quick and easy assemble able unit minimizing search time necessary to find the parts, and assists in holding the tubular members together with a contracting force facilitating connection and construction of the modular unit.

The chair side rail and leg connecting piece 52 maybe a separate element as illustrated or integrally formed with one or the other of the chair side rail piece 51 or chair leg piece 53. The connecting or knee piece 52 maybe sharply or gently curved and if gently curved one end portion of the curved piece serves as part of the chair seat side rail and a portion of the other end serves as an upper portion of the chair front leg.

Connection of the segments one to the next is via an end portion of one having an outer diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the other. Referring to FIG. 7 piece 52 has a sleeve 59 projecting from each of opposite ends thereof for insertion in slip fit relation into an end portion of respective segments 51, 53.

The pair of modular units 54, 55 are interconnected by two or more cross members 60 and provide the seat portion of the chair. Each such cross member maybe a single elongate piece or two or more segments that can be detachably connected in end-to-end relation. In either event there is a threaded stud 61 projecting from each of opposite ends of the cross member 60. The studs are securely anchored to the member associated therewith and pass through holes strategically located in the segments 51 i.e. the chair seat side rails. Wing nuts (62) 68 thread onto an end portion of the stud part protruding through the chair side rails for securely anchoring the cross member to the side rails. It is contemplated that the cross members may be hollow tubular members, solid longitudinal members or combinations thereof.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the only two cross members 60 horizontally connect the side units 54, 55 providing the chair seat portion but obviously there could more if so desired. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, the chair legs are stabilized by bracing which includes an additional cross member 60 interconnecting a lower portion of the pair of front legs and a pair of straps 70 that interconnects the front legs with the back legs. The chair back legs are a lower end portion of the frame legs 14 (, 15). Each strap 70 maybe a single length member or one or more segments with one connected to the next by a hinge pin allowing the strap to be folded upon itself for storage purposes. One end of strap 70 has a hole through which stud 61 of the member 60 interconnecting the chair front legs passes and with securement resulting from turning the wing nut onto the stud. The opposite end of members 70 have a slot 71 in a lower edge thereof that slip fits onto a headed stud 72 projecting from the a lower portion of a leg of the backpack frame.

The straps 70 maybe a single length member or two segments 73, 74 connected by a hinge pin 75 with any well known means (over center knee joint lock) to lock the hinge connection when the two segments are essentially in an extended state. Obviously additional cross members 60 could be used as substitutes for the pair of straps 70.

Sitting comfort on the chair is provided by an optional air inflated cushion 80 shown on the chair seat in FIG. 1 and removed from the chair seat in FIG. 5. It is contemplated that webbing could be substituted for the air inflated cushion as well.

The cross members 60 shown in the drawings each comprise segments 62, 63 that are loosely held together as a group by a bungee cord 64 passing there through and anchored at one end, as for example by pin 65, to member 62 and at the other end to piece 63 by pin 66. The elastomeric bungee cord(s) can be of a selected length to provide a contracting force to aid in holding the tubular members in position if desired. While various means maybe devised to interconnect the tubular segments one to the next in end-to-end relation applicant prefers having an end portion of one tubular piece slip fit into an end portion of the other. Referring to FIG. 9 one end of member 62 has an end portion 67 whose outside diameter is such that it slip fits in snug relation into an end portion of member 63. The portion 67 of reduced diameter can be provided by inserting a sleeve into member 62 and securing it thereto with a portion of the sleeve projecting outwardly(illustrated by way of example in FIG. 7) or by compressing (the) an end portion of the sleeve down to the required size for insertion.(illustrated by way of example in FIG. 9. In either event transition to the smaller size provides a shoulder limiting the amount one member portion projects into the other.

Should separation of the interconnected elements (for example forming the seat) be of concern locking means comprising a cooperating L-shaped slot and pin arrangement on the respective members can be provided with locking occurring by twisting one member relative to the other.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, the chair side rails, i.e. members 51 are attached to the backpack legs (14, 15) by respective one of a pair of brackets 90. Each bracket has a U-shaped clip portion 91 that slip fits onto the frame leg. There after a bolt 93 is inserted through aligned holes disposed proximate the mouth of the clip and clamping engagement accomplished by turning a wing nut 92 threaded onto the bolt. The clip has a lug portion 95 and this lug detachably connects to the chair rail member 51 by a bolt and wing nut unit 96. Alternatively the chair rail 51 can be constructed with a threaded stud projecting therefrom and inserted into a hole in the frame leg as illustrated by way of example for one of the chair side rails and the backpack frame leg 14 (sec FIG. 4).

Moreover, an alternate method of attaching the chair side rail members 51 the backpack legs (14, 15) by a pair of brackets 190 is best shown in FIG. 10. Each bracket has a U-shaped clip portion 191 that slip fits onto the frame leg. There after a bolt 193 is inserted through aligned holes disposed proximate the mouth of the clip and clamping engagement accomplished by turning a wing nut 192 threaded onto the bolt. The clip has a lug portion 195 and this lug detachably connects to the chair rail member 51 by a bolt and nut unit 196 in locking engagement with a clevis 197 extending from the distal end of the chair rail member 51 and secured thereto by a pin means or rivet 198 extending through the member 51 and eyes of the clevis.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this invention is not intended to be limited by the specific exemplifications presented herein above. Rather, what is intended to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A backpack frame and chair conversion kit, comprising: a rigid backpack frame; a first segregated group of longitudinal members; a second segregated group of longitudinal members; first coupling means in the respective first and second groups detachably interconnecting the longitudinal members into respective first and second generally rigid L-shaped units in which one leg of the respective units provides a chair seat side rail and the other a chair front leg; at least two elongate rigid cross members; second coupling means detachably connecting said cross members to the chair side rails thereby forming an assembly of a chair seat and pair of front legs; and third coupling means detachably connecting said assembly to the backpack rigid frame and together therewith providing a chair readily assembled in situ.
 2. The backpack frame and chair conversion kit as defined in claim 1 including additional elongate rigid brace members and coupling means associated therewith detachably inter-connecting the chair legs.
 3. The backpack frame and chair conversion kit as defined in claim 2 wherein the longitudinal members in the respective first and second groups connect one to the next in end-to-end relation.
 4. The backpack frame and chair conversion kit as defined in claim 3 wherein said first coupling means comprises having an end portion of one piece removably insertable in snug fit relation into an end portion another piece of the same group.
 5. The backpack frame and chair conversion kit as defined in claim 1 including means loosely interconnecting the longitudinal members in the respective groups and thereby providing segregation of the same.
 6. The backpack frame and chair conversion kit as defined in claim 1 including a flexible cord like member interconnecting the longitudinal members.
 7. The backpack frame and chair conversion kit as defined in claim 6 wherein said cord like member comprises a bungee cord.
 8. A backpack frame and chair conversion kit, consisting essentially of: a rigid planar frame; a first segregated group of tubular longitudinal members; a second segregated group of tubular longitudinal members; first coupling means in the respective first and second groups detachably interconnecting the longitudinal members therein into a generally rigid L-shaped unit in which one leg of the unit provides a chair seat side rail and the other a chair front leg; at least two elongate rigid cross members; second coupling means detachably connecting respective opposite ends of said cross members to the chair side rails, said cross members being spaced apart from one another thereby forming an assembly of a chair seat and pair of front legs; and third coupling means detachably connecting said assembly to the backpack rigid frame at a position spaced upwardly from a lower end thereof whereby the frame portion there below provides rear legs of the chair and at least a portion there above a backrest.
 9. The backpack frame and chair conversion kit as defined in claim 8 wherein said first coupling means in each of the respective first and second groups of longitudinal members comprises having an end portion of one piece insertable in close fit relation into an end portion of the next adjacent piece.
 10. The backpack frame and chair conversion kit of claim 8 wherein said rigid planar frame comprises a backpack having a rigid inverted U-shaped frame.
 11. 8. A backpack frame and chair conversion kit, consisting of: a backpack having a rigid planar frame; a first and second group of said tubular longitudinal members providing a pair of chair seat side rails and a pair of chair front legs; means flexibly interconnecting the longitudinal members one to the next in the respective groups and thereby segregating such longitudinal members from other chair forming longitudinal members; means interconnecting the longitudinal members in the respective groups providing a pair of rigid generally L-shaped members; at least first and second cross members securely detachably interconnecting said side rails; and means detachably securely anchoring said chair side rails to said backpack frame legs at a position spaced upwardly from a lower end thereof whereby the backpack frame below and above such position provide respectively a pair of rear chair legs and a chair back. 